
Caring for the Whole Person
Finding Peace and Support During Serious Illness
A Collaborative Project of the California Catholic Bishops and California Catholic Health Systems.

Caring for the Whole Person Initiative is a collaborative project of the California Catholic Conference of Bishops and the Alliance of Catholic Health Care, guided by a Leadership Council comprising representatives from the two organizations, including Bishops, Catholic health care executives, and other leaders. The initiative is aimed at creating an environment in our parishes, communities, and health care systems in which all persons are loved, wanted, and worthy and will be prepared and supported in health and serious illness through the end of life. We are implementing our “Respect and Care” End of Life Program which provides theological and practical support for End of Life issues. This includes discussion about the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services and expanding our Bereavement ministries to include “End of Life” care. This Initiative will provide a synchronized strategy to help us further develop a comprehensive program that will help enable caregivers in our parishes and health care facilities to attend to people and provide basic human needs.